New Hanover County considers off-campus bible education program for students
NEW HANOVER COUNTY (WWAY) — A controversial learning program could be coming to New Hanover County Schools, and the community has mixed emotions.
LifeWise Academy is a program that provides bible-based character education to public school students during the school day.
The 1952 Supreme Court ruling Zorach versus Clauson allows students to leave school for voluntary, off-campus religious instruction.
“Being off premises does make it legal, and along with parent permission and it being privately funded as well,” said Allisa Sivils.
Allisa Sivils chairs the LifeWise Steering Committee in New Hanover County.
She says participation in the program is ultimately up to parents.
“This is really about the freedom for a parent to choose, within the educational spectrum of the day for their child, a program that is right for their child; and then, you know, for those who don’t choose to, they don’t choose to,” said Sivils.
The idea of the program was introduced during the February 24th school board meeting, where some members supported it, while others opposed.
Board member Tim Merrick is among those with concerns, saying every hour in the school day matters.
“We need to maximize classroom time. Whether that’s core curriculum, or whether that’s make-up time, or catch-up time, or lunch, or P.E., or socializing. It’s all part of the educational experience,” said Merrick.
Sivil says, despite the opposition, there is strong community support for the program.
“The churches themselves I’ve been blown away by. We have Christian pastors and Christian churches throughout New Hanover County coming together in support of this,” said Sivils.
Other board members say they are waiting on Superintendent Chris Barnes to complete a memorandum of understanding to determine whether the program is feasible for the district.
Board member Pat Bradford told WWAY she plans to review the facts before forming an opinion and will conduct her own review if a proposal is presented.
The board also says that Dr. Barnes has no time requirement to create his MOU.
